stove top cooking

[okwaterdog]

considering buying an induction burner to use instead of (or in addition to) the gas stove top. I realize there are issues with the type of pan/pot you use (must be aluminum I think) but would like feedback as to type and watchouts.... Thanks in advance.

[pianotuna]

Hi Phil,

1500 watts translates to 5118 btu's. However, transfer of heat to the pan is nearly 99% efficient with induction cooking.

I don't know what the efficiency of a propane flame to the contents of the pan is but it certainly is not even close to 99%.

The other problem is that for gas the pan must be sufficiently large to cover the entire flame area.

I do know that my Nuwave beats the propane stove top, and also beats the large burner in an electric stove.

pnichols wrote:
I'd like to see a demo on YouTube of an induction cooktop of any power up to 1500 watts kicking the butt of an RV propane cooktop's high BTU burner when heating water. Note I'm NOT referring to a standard RV cooktop propane burner ... but the high output one that is included in some RV cooktops (like ours, for instance).?

[Sniggles]

pnichols wrote:
I'd like to see a demo on YouTube of an induction cooktop of any power up to 1500 watts kicking the butt of an RV propane cooktop's high BTU burner when heating water. Note I'm NOT referring to a standard RV cooktop propane burner ... but the high output one that is included in some RV cooktops (like ours, for instance).

BTW, the new propane cooktop being installed in our stick house has one of it's five burners rated at a BTU level that's through the roof - the grill covering it is even extra large for holding crab pots, etc., right in the kitchen if we want so we don't have be outside for large boilings. We could kindof do that in the RV if we wanted to.

I will concede that propane cooking can heat up an RV more than induction cooking. However, that is often a desirable thing in an RV. Our RV's cooktop overhead fan does vent a lot of residual heat to the outside if the weather is warm and our roof vent fan can also aid the cooktop fan in getting rid of interior cooktop heat as it occurs
I thought the claims-to-fame for induction cooking, if you have the electricity for it, were safety from hot burners and ease of cleanup on a smooth surface.

BTW and speaking of the ease of cleanup of a smooth surface cooktop - don't the marine diesel cooktops have a smooth surface where the cookware sits?

We have two induction nuwave pro portable cooktops. 1 for home and 1 for RV. At home we have a full size gas stove. So to answer your questions. The nuwave does work as fast as the gas. And never heats up the house like the gas does.. And think of when you are on campground power and it is free. Saves $ also. I see that some of the newer RV have the option of all electric now. They are installing induction built in cooktops on these units.
And furthermore a hot plate is not induction. It will heat up your home. It can't be used like a slow cooker.
Please note:
You will need to have induction cookware. I have a small set for RV. Bought at Walmart for under $50. Stainless steel. Stainless steel is Great cause you can just throw them in a draw and don't need to worry about scratching off the coating. Induction cookware will work on all types of cooking units. Induction, electric, gas. So you don't have to carry more pans than you need. Just carry the induction.

[BubbaChris]

I've worked in kitchen stores for almost 6 years. I have only sold the Fagor (1600W) and they rarely come back (mostly because people don't adapt to induction, not for reliability).

As with any high wattage appliance, try to avoid using extension cords.

As other people mentioned, the heat up time for cast iron can be amazingly quick on induction. We needed to re-heat a meal which had had been put in a cast iron brasier and stored in a refrigerator. Induction made that process quick and very successful.

[Dog_Trainer]

pianotuna wrote:
Hi,

The problem is power levels. I tried one with 11 power levels and ended up returning it for the Nuwave which has over 50 power levels.

The Max Burton has 10 power levels and maxes out at 1800 watts. That may be a problem unless there is very good shore power.

I have not had a problem with 10 power levels My Burton also has the degree feature. As compared to the 6 power levels on the standard stove I don't see a problem. What kept me from the new wave is the huge amount of negative comments from the reviews that I read. Seemingly their customer service is non-responsive and poor. Don't know this from 1st hand knowledge but the couple of hundred negative reviews scared me off

[pianotuna]

Hi,

The problem is power levels. I tried one with 11 power levels and ended up returning it for the Nuwave which has over 50 power levels.

The Max Burton has 10 power levels and maxes out at 1800 watts. That may be a problem unless there is very good shore power.

[okwaterdog]

Update: based on responses, AND search results, AND reviews from various sources, I've ordered the Max Burton 6200 - after it arrives and I've used it, I'll add a final note.

Thanks to all of you for the discussion.

[John_S_]

Love the induction burner. Liked it so much that I pulled my gas stove and my propane tank and have room for two more 8ds.

[69_Avion]

rvten wrote:
We use an induction cook top most of the time.
Carry 2 cast iron fry pans and a griddle.

If using electric, the induction stove is the best way to go. Besides, Cast Iron is the best for cooking with.
We still do most of our cooking outside since we like cooking in the outdoors with a 30,000 btu stove.

[wa8yxm]

Regarding smooth cooktops.. My Aroma resistive "Burner" Has a solid cooktip, not smooth but solid, and thus way easier to clean than the older hot coil type. The hot coil is contained in the cast iron top.

So they do make smooth or at least "Easy clean" electrics.

I might like to try an inductive model might be interesting I know way more about induction cooking that I should. but alas, most of what I know is useless to someone trying to make a decision. Just "Trivia" type stuff.

[pnichols]

Thanks for posting your test results on boiling of water using both methods!

Now .... to wrap my head around what's going on:

- Different BTU content within the incoming energy for both methods, so test did not actually compare apples to apples from a "process type" viewpoint?

- Less energy lost into the surrounding air from an induction heated container versus gas flames dancing around on the bottom of the same container?

- Bottom and sides of the container were hot with induction, but mostly only the bottom was hot from the gas flames?

- The "new gas stove" used was natural gas powered versus what's used in RVs - propane?

- The electromagnetic induction heating process is more more efficient at converting electrical energy than the propane (not natural gas - right?) heating process is at converting carbon-based energy?

- Magic?

- I can't figure it out without another cup of coffee?

Too many lingering questions for a weekday ...thanks again for the test you performed!

[Dog_Trainer]

pnichols wrote:
I'd like to see a demo on YouTube of an induction cooktop of any power up to 1500 watts kicking the butt of an RV propane cooktop's high BTU burner when heating water. Note I'm NOT referring to a standard RV cooktop propane burner ... but the high output one that is included in some RV cooktops (like ours, for instance).

BTW, the new propane cooktop being installed in our stick house has one of it's five burners rated at a BTU level that's through the roof - the grill covering it is even extra large for holding crab pots, etc., right in the kitchen if we want so we don't have be outside for large boilings. We could kindof do that in the RV if we wanted to.

I will concede that propane cooking can heat up an RV more than induction cooking. However, that is often a desirable thing in an RV. Our RV's cooktop overhead fan does vent a lot of residual heat to the outside if the weather is warm and our roof vent fan can also aid the cooktop fan in getting rid of interior cooktop heat as it occurs.

I thought the claims-to-fame for induction cooking, if you have the electricity for it, were safety from hot burners and ease of cleanup on a smooth surface.

BTW and speaking of the ease of cleanup of a smooth surface cooktop - don't the marine diesel cooktops have a smooth surface where the cookware sits?

I would not have believed if I had not seen it myself. I put a saucepan of water in one pot and put it on my High output new gas stove. Then the same pan on the induction stove it took about 3 minitues on the stove to boil water and just over 2 on the induction.

[SteveRuff]

okwaterdog wrote:
first, thanks for comments regarding these induction stoves.... let me explain why I am interested in them - I've tried elec burners outside for shrimp and crab boils and the one I had never did the trick. I also have a smaller kitchen now and the gas stove is usually covered with cutting boards etc - not much room.

If I were boondocking of course I would use the propane....I have been told the induction heats faster etc etc.... but I also know advertisements often exaggerate, so am especially interested in the brand names which are recommended (or not)

We bought the Max Burton 6000 from Amazon when it came with the add on plate to use with cookware that is non magnetic. Everything works as advertised. With proper cookware water boils in less than two minutes. Cooking temps can be regulated from 1 through 10 with the 1 setting being a simmer. The plate for non magnetic cookware reduces the efficiency by about 25% or more. I do not suggest using it. We like ours and use it in both the motor home and the sticks and bricks.

[Ron3rd]

We use our 3 burner gas top all the time, just like we do at home. Works great, see no need for a change or upgrade.

[pnichols]

I'd like to see a demo on YouTube of an induction cooktop of any power up to 1500 watts kicking the butt of an RV propane cooktop's high BTU burner when heating water. Note I'm NOT referring to a standard RV cooktop propane burner ... but the high output one that is included in some RV cooktops (like ours, for instance).

BTW, the new propane cooktop being installed in our stick house has one of it's five burners rated at a BTU level that's through the roof - the grill covering it is even extra large for holding crab pots, etc., right in the kitchen if we want so we don't have be outside for large boilings. We could kindof do that in the RV if we wanted to.

I will concede that propane cooking can heat up an RV more than induction cooking. However, that is often a desirable thing in an RV. Our RV's cooktop overhead fan does vent a lot of residual heat to the outside if the weather is warm and our roof vent fan can also aid the cooktop fan in getting rid of interior cooktop heat as it occurs.

I thought the claims-to-fame for induction cooking, if you have the electricity for it, were safety from hot burners and ease of cleanup on a smooth surface.

BTW and speaking of the ease of cleanup of a smooth surface cooktop - don't the marine diesel cooktops have a smooth surface where the cookware sits?